John Martyn - Spencer The Rover

[cyprescrow]

I never got to see this incredible communicator live. But all I can say is that there will never be any one like him. He is beyond any category. Dearly missed and loved forever. He brought forth the true voice of humanity. The voice Of true human emotion and spirit.

[lowdenPhil]

Forever the artist, true feeling and surgical observations, we need more musicians like this

[sionnyn]

'Caused great confusion . . .' He was talking about all of us!

[Horsemarine100]

John could have been singing of himself. Perhaps he was, God rest him.

[DustyKiss76]

Music and words of this kind touch the heart and bring me back to earth like no other could

[blahblahblah85]

sleepypoodle, u r right, of cause, listening to it again and I lov it now. It was my ear that was not allowing him to own the melody lol. He gives a really intense performance.

[tritonormore]

john is a true artist and plays to the best of the troupe always a pleasure to hear the best thankyou - al

[drfez100]

All that sawing away on the fiddles distracts from the startling artistry of this strange and troubled man. He was closer in spirit to Pharoah Sanders than he was to these trad guys.

[naffsharpe]

@drfez100 I'm afraid that you are looking at John only and not what he always tried to do. He believed that the whole sound was greater than any part of it and that the emotion generated was more important than words or chords, you need to feel John Martyn.

[drfez100]

@naffsharpe With no disrespect, I do believe you missed the point of what I was attempted to say. I was saying that the other musicians were in this particular performance a distraction from Martyn's astounding artistry. That's all. I made no allusion to 'words' or 'chords', as i know full well his music transcends the components.

[fivethumbsfrank]

When John Martyn sang He looked into your heart. and touched your soul.

[Glenniehubb]

What a wonderful song.

[Superstarpaulrogers]

His voice simply got better with time. The first time I heard his voice I was speechless with goosebumps all over my body. He is very missed.

[indy4ever]

Beautiful and sad

[mspatrat]

This is so beautiful..totally class!!!I am crying my eyes out.Thank you

[MrEPH80]

Love this song.I saw John twice & this particular version always stands out in my mind.Something about the weather & weary nature of his performance here seems so very fitting to the songs theme...the young man who rambles afar only to return to his home worn & ragged from his journey.Johns now finally made it home after his epic & wild saga & I like to think he's got a big wise old smile on his face where ever he is.Sorely missed & much lamented, R.I.P John...the auld Kilkenny rambler!

[lexluvsubaby]

One word..BEAUTIFUL

[carollizc]

The definitive performance of this song... it doesn't get any better.

[BorderReiver73]

This is sublime! John's voice has so much character on this, and with the additon of the other guys, it just takes this song to another plane.

[SketchynStoo]

Amazing musicianship by all, but so gutted I never got to see him live

[Mamtor13]

The pinnacle of English folk music. It doesn't get better.

[BigCrookster]

Never heard this latter version, thanks for uploading!!

Absolutely incredible the way the man can move you even though you've heard the song so many times before. What a huge fuckin loss he is!!

[CoalCutter73]

Wow this is real special! Wonderful performance, and great musicians with him.

[frankdidit]

I just have to say that this moves me to bloody tears everytime i see it.. what a performance.. in my humble opinion this is perfection personified.. John Martyns soul is so powerful its astonishing :)

[HighRankinNammy]

@frankdidit

This Brough t me to tears too! just so beautiful! Sorry for the drunken reply!

[frankdidit]

@HighRankinNammy Unreal man unreal :D

[motoolew]

I just learned, a year late, that JM has passed. Been crying all morning.

[Maskedhaven]

I really like this version.

[jamiemcgeechan]

Saw John in Glasgow just before he died I was transfixed by his performance that night and saw an emotional JM - something told me this was the last time I'd see him... and tears flowed down my face ... my only other thought being as hed aged his voice had real depth - great man a legend - RMCG

[Heloego]

Sessions are available at Amazon.

[RobOticist1]

Which ever songs you hear, if John Martyn is playing them, they can do nothing but fill you with complete emotion. He left an almighty legacy, and I'm sure he's filling everyone with as much joy as he did in this life where ever he is now.

[Cotdail]

Holy jesus, what a scene.

[blahblahblah85]

This is great, but I cant help but think he could have had more respect for the melody, which is lovely in itself

[sleepypoodle]

@blahblahblah85 John's live performances were always unique, unpredictable & invariably dependant on his mood, health & level of coherance.

He lived very much 'in the moment' & to appreciate him one had to understand that he was a rule unto himself, an artist - in the truest sense.

I was fortunate enough to have seen him on good days & bad days, & unlike some performers whose live gigs are like watching a professional dvd, with John we saw his frailties - his 'humanity', warts and all!

[kintoreloon]

RIP big man .......nae body can touch you a one off and legend and so much misunderstood and underrated who never sold out

[raasporaa]

totally touching. again and again and again. summertime is coming. and the evenings will be yours john. a good glass of wine, a smile and spencer the rover. cant get any better then that. thx a lot!

[gramach]

Ive just realised,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,John looks like Finbar Furey.

[conor30000]

Can you get CDs of these recordings?

[catweasel28]

Exactly one year ago the world became a musically poorer place.

I raise a glass to you, John!

[kdward100]

You know I just got the transatlantic sessions dvd for Christmas. If there was nothing else on it apart from this I'd be happy. JM was a true soul brother. And I love this version more than any other.

[AndyHN34]

I reckon Phil does a good job here. It's a trad. song getting the trad. treatment. Nicely restrained from all concerned.

[IIIISolidSnakeIIII]

Total Legend, I like this version with the added instruments!

[woodentops]

just the best

[spectrum99122]

still haunting, still beautiful and a good attempt.  But I agree, just John and his guitar please gents.

[fionnachd]

Oh dear Phil! You normally make that box sound just magical. This is one time you should have just spectated!

[inaband]

I completely agree.

[Scotsovertheborder]

This man was a genius, he could sing anything - his voice always sounds like it comes from the very centre of him. He had Soul, big time.

I'd loved to have heard him sing some of the Muckle Sangs, the great Scottish Ballads, but he would never have been constrained by what anyone thought he "should do".

Thanks for the music, John.

[AndPlus]

A bit too much extraneous instrumentation there for me. Better just JM and guitar.

[mummycorinne]

kill the accordion player

[crlcripps]

OH, you can't kill Phill Cunningham! I've seen him live, and he's so good, it's mindboggling! I think his work here is really restrained, and, along with the fiddles, supports the song well - they add a more melancholy note to the song.

[pittsew]

the devil has met his match john martyn will clean hell up r.i.p.

[geoffgrainger1]

Total Genious

[gungadin60]

God bless a Divil

[conor30000]

this is crazy good i was shivering

[jsparrow68]

I had the pleasure of seeing him live and he was just awesome. So understated, it's a shame more people aren't aware of his music. He was definitely a pioneer in my eyes.

[kwb1721]

I love John Martyn. Wish I could of saw him in person

[dvangasse]

beauty personified

[MehefinHeulog]

just incredible

reason to remember indeed

[kirstymonster1234]

i canny believe how different his voice sounds in this version. the smooth hippy drawl has been replaced by a wonderful gaelic gruffness.

lovely. :)

[wellwell1212]

Aye this is a bonny one

[baddaboomb]

Jesus. Beautiful. Cant say any more.

[baddaboomb]

man what a voice, beautiful. What musicians and how amazing was john?!

[klnenstiel]

Oh, beautiful. The years on his voice add a real poignancy to a song of life and loss.

[bkildee]

What a wonderful, beautiful song, such strong memories. Thanks to my big brother Paul for introducing a young lad in Cork to John Martyn so many years ago. Who would have thought...

[Mamtor13]

I think I like this version best. He's older, so the song is more poignant. It's one of those songs that needs someone singing who looks and sounds like they've lived and experienced life. Love his voice around 135.

[TheRealFatShiney]

i cant think of anyone more talented than this guy in ireland, scotland ,wales or england ever. we produced alot of talented people on these small islands, i think he could be the best

[TheRealFatShiney]

unreal

[zzzyyyxxx23]

RIP John, what a legend

[Benfatbackbeat]

sunday morning coming down and ifind this gem!! havent listened to anyone else since John left the building and dont want to.

[maxthewoodman]

wonderful version.

[gugelhopf28]

wunderfull... nothing more to say, just wonderfull...

[musiqueconcrete]

Truly one of the all-time greats.

[lr2025]

a mans man with a gentle heart. R I P . x

[fitzgejose]

A genius where it counted. Anyone who can leave us with a legacy the quality of 'Solid Air' and 'One World' will be missed. RIP.

[laoban1954]

Oh, God! What a loss! How sad I feel.

[britcat123]

A short note of rememberance to a man blessed with such pure talent, and thanks to my big brother for introducing me to his music when I so easily could have spent my early years listening to 80s pop. RIP John

[Gimmer3]

Goodbye John, you will be missed.

[cornholio1962]

sublime,thank god for youtube his songs will live on,cheers for the years jm

[twotripe]

Only heard this song about a month ago. Simply blew me away. So, so sad to hear John died last week. Immense loss.

God Bless

[lauragallacher71]

God rest your soul, you were capable of beautiful music that touched the soul of many. Rest in peace.

[theestever]

No exaggeration, no starry eyed fandom, John was simply one of the best singer/songwriter/players ever to grace humanity with his gift. The little of his music I do know means so much to me and has been both a help and an inspiration to the soul.

Thank you John, it is through tears I bid you farewell.

And now you leave us with this empty world...

[VinnieKilduff2008]

John You sang from your soul and played from your heart. Rest in Peace

[brenhollhunt]

"....weary of his traveling, he sat down to rest..." This breaks my heart. I'm so glad I discovered your music John, rest easy.

[2112eire]

God bless you John, I'll treasure the memories.

[robertverhey]

John, your image of prittle-prattling children who drive cares away has driven mine away many a time. Vale

[vikingshipper]

You will be missed John. You made a difference. May the hearts you held in your lyrical spell lift you as high as the sky.

[theestever]

Amen.

[jimcglass]

Oh John, John, John, we'll miss you.

[lizmcvicar]

Here's to you my ramblin'boy.

[midnighterrant]

Sad day, we'll miss him.

[t4texas]

RIP John. You'll no go a rambling the more. Thanks for the true music you've left behind!

[juniusmaltby]

Tears...tears...tears...

[chachangue]

Here's to John and to Danny,there likes will never be seen again.

[whitepointer2]

Joe Cocker with harmony/melody

[gramach]

Its worth listening to RT23s John Martyn - Spencer the Rover you tube video. The contrast between Martyn's much earlier voice and this is fantastic. Both are top of the range,and worth a listen.

[batwinged]

His voice has so much feeling.. makes me think of summer, swimming in the millpond, walking through the countryside.. ahhh :)

[elysianintricacy]

It reminds me of sitting at the window and watching the sea splashing in ferocious waves silently

[mawalls2001]

so poetic...

[elysianintricacy]

fuck

[bluesgunner]

This is fantastic.

[S1eeperServ1ce]

People may find something bad to say about just about anything.

JOHN MARTYN WROTE REAL MUSIC , HE DID NOT JUST PUT A FEW WORDS ON PAPER AND LEAVE AN ENGINEER TO FINISH IT OFF.

To those that say otherwise , i ask you where are your songs? Where is your creative work?

[hypno59]

inane

[keywins]

unorthodox

[Luskanagh]

I loved this series back in the 90's and there has been nothing similar since. I revisit this piece regularly which is the nearest I get to some of the amazing John Marthy gigs I have been to here in Ireland...

[brittaindominic]

pity computer sound systems are so artificial

[misterned]

Pure satisfaction on John's face at 3:37. Brill.

[Hughie62]

Sorry gmtdiato but 13,949 views compared to 200 odd for yer beloved Copper Family says it all realy! this is a song full of emotion and pathos with some excelent musicians, not a dirge from a bunch of dreary chanters!.

[kintoreloon]

Ladies ....Men against Boys

1ST round knock out to Mr Martyn

get real

[66KAJA66]

voting dont mean quality -- bush been elected twice

[ForYeGo]

Right, and he cheated too.

[gmtdiato]

Never queried the musicianship.en passant,the Copper Family gave us a lot of history,check it out!

[gmtdiato]

check out your history!

[gmtdiato]

Sorry,good musicians all,but far too overarranged.[try the Copper Family]

[du212]

Probably the best players of Scotland (Phil Cunningham, accordion, and Aly Bain, fiddle) ..... there are far better musicians than Mr. Martyn, .....

[hypno59]

inane

[Toyboy789]

Absolutely lovely version! I have loved this ever since I first heard it . . . not long after first clapping ears on Martyn's Solid Air set.

I agree with DangerBird . . . this is a masterpiece!

[freshinit]

Hope its not just prittle prattling stories, it would be great to see the sessions out there if it happens! So many great artists, at their peak! and enjoying it

[zerebrush]

Please - anybody:

I NEED to get hold of these footages, all of them (transatlantic sessions). Looked for them (video, found only audio).

Does anybody know where those may be available?

Thanks a ton!

[mnemonyxx]

I'll not quite believe it until I see it, but according to Mike Alexander (the director) on BBC Radio Scotland around three weeks ago, they're planning to finally have official DVDs of TS1&2 in stores soon, hopefully by the end of TS3 in four weeks' time.

[KathrinIG]

Well, that hasn't happened so far, I guess but I hope they're just behind on schedule and will make TS1&2 available on DVD soon. I'd sure pick them up!

[skylark521]

Where did you find the audio?

[DangerBird]

um..the song,the performance,the interpretation,the accompaniment...masterpiece

[theredhackle22]

Hey thanks

[toftmf]

My favorite version is by John Roberts & Tony Barrand on their album "Spencer the Rover Is Alive and Well" but I agree that The Dransfields version is great as well. This JM video is worth the watch just seeing my favorite fiddler, Aly Bain.

[nonicknameyet]

Oooh... thanks..... soo beautiful..... phew.. thanks very much.

[sanatate]

Yes, not a great version, the backing musicians seem to overwhelm JM a tad, and also he sounds like he's a bit under the weather.

[amykay67]

A bit under the weather! When this guy used to play the club scene you always knew he was finished when he fell off his stool

[sanatate]

Haha, I take your point there!

[aijok]

murrmac:

Considering he wrote the song and considering that JM is well known for reinterpreting his own work it's best to treat this as another snap shot of a constantly evolving artist. His willingness to take chances with his own material and stretch out alongside his brilliant songwriting, singing and guitar playing is one of the reasons why JM is so highly regarded and has had such an impact on so many people's lives.

[cglassbrook]

This is a traditional song which JM did NOT write - just put his own unique interpretation on. But I have to agree with murmac, not his best - probably because JM doesn't like playing it.

[brendanokelly]

Thanks for posting this , JM is the Mann !!!!!!!!!!!

[bfunkmaster]

Thanks bro.. greetz from the Netherlands!

[moshinben]

this is not actually the best version of the song john has done try and find the radio 1 session he did of it .. i love john martyns music its so simle and gentle and hes a legend on acoustic

[TheUnknownPlayer]

This song has become a transcript of my life.

[erniekelvin]

me too

[murrmac]

get real, this is undoubredly the worst version of this song I have ever heard.

try the version by Robin and Barry Dransfield if you want to hear how the song should be done.

The Copper Family also do an enchanting version.

This is just plain embarrassing ...

[mart3442]

You comments are embarrassing.

[gmtdiato]

Someone with sense!I think that the Copper Family may have had some input into this! It's a song,not an overarranged ballad,[as per other comment,all the musicians are faultless]

[MuNkYBizNess]

Love John Martyn, love this song, love this vid!

[agocina]

Good grief ! Tks a lot !

Commovente ..si, si,si,si

tks a lot .

agochina

[t4texas]

What a great treatment of that great tune, with John Martyn in finest voice!! (I want the complete Transatlantic Sessions DVD box set!)

[mart3442]

Is there one?

[jiyder]

that was great, thanks for posting!!!!

[yhz22]

one of my favorites thank you so much ! :D.

[jeanhoel]

Very well : ) ... another " TS Number " for my collection : ) splendid again !!! thank you for posting.